Nearly 300 wildfires are burning in my Northern California District. These fires have charred more than 100,000 acres so far, burned numerous homes, and most are nowhere near containment. I have dedicated the resources of both my State Capitol and District Offices in Northern California to help in whatever way possible and remain in daily contact with CAL FIRE authorities.

Senator Aanestad prepares to tour the front lines of the Shasta-Trinity Lightening Complex wildfire with Congressman Wally Herger and California National Guard Sgt. Joshua Esquiuel.

Senator Aanestad attends a briefing on the Shasta-Trinity Lightening Complex wildfire with Congressman Herger, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko (left) and Shasta County Administrator Larry Lees (right).

Senator Aanestad tours the front lines of the Shasta-Trinity Lightening Complex wildfire.

Senator Aanestad talks about his fuels-reduction request to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on KTKZ  with Eric Hogue. (MP3)

Senator Aanestad outlines his request to the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection during a live interview on NewsTalk 1530 KFBK. (MP3)

Senator Aanestad tells KGO Radio how many of the wildfires could have been avoided through sound forestry management practices. (MP3)

Senator Aanestad with CAL FIRE Division Chief Bob Wallen

Senator Aanestad and CAL FIRE Specialist Mary Ann Aldrich with homeowners Robert and Judy Rojo

Senator Aanestad Views Damage

Senator Aanestad with Butte College President Diana Van Der Ploeg

Thousands of firefighters are now on the front lines of these wildfires. 30 states and Canada have contributed firefighters and other resources to help with firefighting efforts. Every plane, tanker and helicopter that can be used to fight these fires is now in use.

Please use the links below to access the latest news and information on firefighting efforts in Northern California:

• Aanestad to Take Part in Wildfire Summit - Rural Legislative Caucus Seeks Solution to Catastrophic Wildfire Danger

• Get the latest information on fires burning in Northern California by visiting the CAL FIRE Information Page.

• View an interactive map of the wildfires threatening Northern California communities here.

• Senator Aanestad requests emergency action from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

• Governor Schwarzenegger Deploys the California National Guard to aid firefighting efforts

• The Office of Emergency Services regularly updates a Statewide Situation Report.

• The Fire Safe Council has issued a set of guidelines for homeowners in wildfire areas.

• The American Red Cross has also issued a fact sheet on what to do after a fire.

• Advice for fire victims from the California Department of Insurance.

• Butte County Lightening Fires Information Page.

The latest news on firefighting efforts can also be accessed through the links below:

• Sacramento Bee
• KCRA News
• News 10
• KOVR News
• FOX 40 News
• NewsTalk 1530 KFBK
• Chico Enterprise Record
• Redding Record Searchlight

Senator Aanestad is working to amend legislation to help Butte County homeowners who lost homes and other property during the fires. Both AB 1759 and SB 1064 will allow homeowners and businesses to carry forward losses resulting from the wildfire disaster into future taxable years and will ensure that the standard property tax deductions continue for those who lost their homes to the Ophir and Humboldt fires. Both measures will also reimburse local governments for reductions in property tax revenue resulting from wildfire-related decreases in property values.

• Fire Safety
• Defensible Space
• Equipment Use Safety
• Office of Emergency Services
• CAL FIRE homepage

Department of Insurance – List of all major insurers, along with fraud prevention tips and information guides.

The following tips were taken from the Department of Insurance website:
The most common fraud that occurs in the aftermath of a disaster generally involves price gouging, offers of debris removal, and fraudulent charitable solicitations. It is important to keep a sharp lookout for predators playing on the emotions of those stricken by disaster. If fraudulent activity is suspected, please contact the CDI at 800-927-HELP.

After a disaster, sales people often go door to door, canvassing neighborhoods to generate new business. While many of these people are honest and reputable, some are not. Below is a recommended list of steps to take to protect against unscrupulous operators posing as legitimate contractors:

• Call the Contractors State License Board at 800-321-2752 or visit their Web site at www.cslb.ca.gov to check a contractor's license number or get further information on home and property repairs.

• Deal only with licensed contractors. Ask to see the contractor's "pocket license," together with other identification. If the person claims to be representing a contractor, but can't show you a contractor's license or home improvement salesperson registration card, call the contractor and find out if the person is authorized to act on the contractor's behalf.

• Do not do business with a contractor who does not carry the appropriate insurance coverage. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property. Ask the contractor if he/she carries general liability and workers compensation insurance. Request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the contractor that shows the name of the insurance company, policy number and policy limits the contractor carries. Contact the insurance company directly to verify information on the COI.

• Call the insurance adjuster assigned to your property damage claim and ask the adjuster to make an estimate of the damage and the probable cost to repair. This will provide you with a benchmark estimate prepared by a professional that you can use when negotiating with contractors.

• Don't rush into signing a contract. Collect business cards, interview several contractors, and request multiple bids for comparison. Make sure to read the fine print on all estimates and contracts.

• Beware of building contractors that encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs.

• Hire local, licensed contractors when possible, as it is easier to deal with a local contractor if problems develop. However, since it may not always be possible to deal with local contractors in the aftermath of a disaster, be particularly careful to thoroughly check references for out-of-town contractors.

• Get everything the contractor discusses in writing. Also, if changes or modifications occur in the contract terms, they should be acknowledged by all parties in writing.

• Never sign a contract with blanks that have not been filled in. Unscrupulous contractors may fill in the blanks later with unacceptable terms.

• Never pay a contractor for the entire project in advance or before the work is completed.

California law requires that the amount of the down payment for any one improvement project, other than for construction of a swimming pool, may not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, excluding finance charges, whichever is less.

Be especially suspicious of door-to-door sales people who make unrealistically low estimates, refuse to leave a contract overnight, or try to sell their services by playing on your emotions.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Executive Order for Counties Affected by Fires
Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed an executive order to waive fees and help recovery efforts for the victims of the Ophir and Humboldt Fires in Butte County.

What To Do in Case of Loss